AJ Johnson · Reckoned by many to be a long-term investment for the Milwaukee Bucks of tomorrow, AJ Johnson’s fluid, herky-jerky style verified that only one plan was in mind with his early-season opportunity: leaving Brooklyn’s defenders as yesterday’s news. With October 27, 2024’s game out of reach, the 2024 No. 23 pick ensures that his dribble commands a similar description, punishing Yongxi Cui’s flat-footed defensive stance with a blur-like handle. Only a crafty at-the-rim finish away from his NBA career’s first bucket, Johnson secures the milestone with a professional smoothness, working an acrobatic, underhand finish softly off-glass. Though struggling to defend the rim on Johnson’s attack, the Brooklyn Nets would ultimately protect their home floor, dealing the Bucks a defeat. Milwaukee’s 6-foot-4, 160-pound rookie, though, continued building upon the momentum from Las Vegas’ Summer League, using a three-and-a-half minute cameo to record two points (on one-of-one) and a +4 plus-minus. · State of Mint · State of Mint